Choosing a good contractor is important because a bad one will waste your money, while a good one will be worth every penny. There are a few reasons good contractors make a good income. Good contractors almost always started as workmen of one kind or another - carpenter, plumber, electrician, etc. Firsthand, they know how it is to be in such a trade. By sight, they know whether a job was completed good or poorly.

Contractors know how to hire good employees. They can manage sub-contractors and workmen fairly and firmly. That's the kind of contractor you're looking for. To find one, start with common sense guidelines.

Ask people for references. This is no time to be shy, since hiring a contractor is costly. Automatic, unfounded suspicion will poison any business relationship at the outset, but good contractors aren't sensitive about providing names and phone numbers for satisfied former clients. They know that referrals are the lifeblood of their business. Once you have them, check them. Prepare a list questions to ask the previous clients of the contractor, such as the size or complexity of previous projects.

Ask about the initial budget and schedule and whether they were met. It sounds intrusive, but most people will share that information gladly. They too know that a good contractor is golden. For at least some smaller projects, it’s not necessary to hire a licensed contractor. Unlicensed contractors can be people who are skilled and professional, and just prefer not to work ‘under the radar’. But the odds are against you in that case, especially if the person is a stranger.

Ask for the license number and use it, along with the business and contractor's names to check the Better Business Bureau and other local business groups. Find out if there are any complaints for your contractor in the city or local agencies.

Most contractors are honest and some of those still find themselves subject to legal action. Clients, too, can be dishonest and ask for something they've no right to. But, proceed with caution. Get any details you can. Many details of pending actions are kept confidential by law. Interview the contractor as you would any employee.

You must treat them like the professional that they are. The most important thing to judge, though, is character. Look for someone with straight answers, straight questions, and someone who looks you in the eye. If the contractor complains or makes excuses about other jobs, this can be a warning sign.

Most contractors accept responsibility for all phases of the job, and most importantly, the outcome.